QUEPEM: The Xeldem gram sabha members especially the youth on Sunday demanded that the panchayat take up repair and renovation of the playground on priority.
Objecting to the proposal to construct shops in the playground area, a large number of youth demanded that the panchayat should not undertake any construction work which will reduce the field area.
Conceicao Oliveira, a resident of Tilamol said, “The gram sabha should adopt a resolution to develop only the panchayat ground to ensure safety of players. Players have sustained injuries due to the ground’s rocky surface.”
On the door-to-door garbage collection, sarpanch Caitan Lima clarified that at present garbage from the panchayat area is collected by a contractor from Curchorem for which the local body is paying Rs 4 lakh annually. The dumpsite falls in the panchayat jurisdiction but is leased out to Quepem Municipal Council and despite agreement the civic body is refusing garbage from Xeldem.
Another resident James Fernandes suggested holding consultation with QMC to renew the agreement to allow the panchayat to dump garbage at Sirvoi by fulfilling the requirement as per directions of the Directorate of Panchayats.
The gram sabha unanimously adopted the proposal to scrap the Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill 2021 in toto. The text of the bill was explained to the members and its effects on the land, culture and future of Goa and Goans. The members felt there was no need for another legislation as the present Mundkar Act, Tenancy Act and Regularisation of Unauthorised Structures Act could be suitably amended. They called for establishing fast-track courts with dedicated mamlatdars to deliver justice to Niz Goenkars. The issue with regards to stray cattle menace at Tilamol junction was also discussed.
